Seminar report on

NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Submitted by

ANANTHU K.A (2201020496)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Guide

Mr. NIGHIL C
Lecturer
Department of Mechanical Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MET'S SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
MET'S POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
MALA, THRISSUR

OCTOBER 2024
 Seminar report on

NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Submitted by

ANANTHU K.A (2201020496)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Guide

Mr. NIGHIL C
Lecturer
Department of Mechanical Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MET'S SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
MET'S POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
MALA, THRISSUR

OCTOBER 2024
 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MET'S SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING,

MET'S POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE,

MALA, THRISSUR

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the report entitled "NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY" is a bonafide
seminar report presented during fifth semester by ANANTHU K A (2201020496) in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Diploma in Mechanical engineering under
State Board of Technical Education during the academic your 2024.

Guided by Head of the Department

Mr. Nighil C Mr. Vinu V T

(Lecturer) (Assistant professor)
Dept. of Mechanical Dept. of Mechanical
Engineering Engineering
SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is a great pleasure for me to acknowledge all those who have advised and supported me to lead
my seminar to success. First of all, I would like to thank GOD Almighty for blessing me with his
grace and taking me Endeavor to successful culmination. I am extremely thankful to most respected
Dr. Shaju Antony Aynikkal, Chairman, MET, and Dr. Varghese George, CEO of Nehru Group
of Institution for all helps extended to me. I am very grateful to Dr. Ambikadevi Amma T,
Principal of our institute for her valuable advice, kind encouragement creative suggestions and
supports for the completion of this seminar work. And also iam very thankful to Mr. Raimon P
Francis, Principal MET’S Polytechnic for his immense support. Next I would like to show my
sincere gratitude to Mr. Vinu V T, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who
helped me in every possible way. I would like express my sincere heartfelt thanks to my seminar
coordinator Mr. Vinu V T and my guide Mr. Nighil C, Lecturer, Department of Mechanical
Engineering for his creative suggestions and immense advice which helped to overcome all
obstacles successfully. I thank all my faculty members and staff of our college for the helps they
have extended. I finally thank my parents and friends for their moral support.

ANANTHU K.A (2201020496)

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala I Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the various Night vision techniques. "Night Vision" is referenced as
technology that provides us with the miracle of vision in total darkness and the improvement of
vision in low light environments. This technology is an amalgam of several different methods each
having its own advantages and disadvantages.

The most common methods described here are Low-Light Imaging. Thermal Imaging and
Illumination. This paper also give brief idea about various night vision device (NVD) that allows
images to be produced in levels of light approaching total darkness, it also explains various
applications where night vision technology is used to solve various problems due to low light
conditions. Whether by biological or technological means, night vision is made possible by a
combination of two approaches: sufficient spectral range, and sufficient intensity range. Humans
have poor night vision compared to many animals, in part because the human eye lacks a tapetum
lucidum.

A night vision device (NVD) is an optical instrument that allows images to be produced it levels of
light approaching total darkness. They are most often used by the military and law enforcement
agencies, but are available to civilian users. The term usually refers to a complete unit, including an
image intensifier tube, a protective and generally water-resistant housing, and some type of
mounting system. Many NVDs also include sacrificial lenses. IR illuminators, and telescopic lenses.
Night vision devices were first used in World War II, and came into wide use during the Vietnam
War. The technology has evolved greatly since their introduction, leading to several "generations"
of night vision equipment with performance increasing and price decreasing.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala II Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

No. Contents Page No:

Acknowledgement I

Abstract II

Table of Content III

Table of Figures V

1 Introduction 1

1.1 history 1

2 The Basics of Infra-red Night Vision 2

2.1 infrared spectrum 2

2.2 atoms and photons 3

2.3 thermal imaging and image enhancement 4

2.4 types of thermal imaging devices 5

3 Thermal imaging 7

3.1 image enhancement 7

4 Generations 10

4.1 generation 0 10

4.2 generation 1 10

4.3 generation 2 10

4.4 generation 3 12

4.5 generation 4 13

5 Key generation developments 14

6 Characteristics of night vision 15

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SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

7 Equipment 16

8 Applications 18

9 Biological night vision 19

10 Advantages and disadvantages 20

10.1 advantage 20

10.2 disadvantage 20

11 Conclusion 21

12 References 22

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala IV Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure
Title Page no.
no.

1 Electromagnetic spectrum 2

2 Nucleus 3

3 The basic components of thermal-imaging system 5

4 Picture in day light 5

5 Picture in night 6

6 Picture Using Thermal Imaging 6

7 Image intensifier 7

8 Intensified picture 8

9 Picture quality of intensified objects 9

10 Generation 1 10

11 Generation 2 11

12 Light spectrum 12

13 Improvement over generation 2 12

14 Scopes 16

15 Goggles 16

16 Cameras 17

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala V Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 1
1. INTRODUCTION

Night vision technology, by definition, literally allows one to see in the dark. Originally developed
for military use, it has provided the United States with a strategic military advantage, the value of
which can be measured in lives. Federal and state agencies now routinely utilize the technology for
site security, surveillance as well as search and rescue.

Night vision equipment has evolved from bulky optical instruments in lightweight goggles through
the advancement of image intensification technology.

Night vision has had many improvements throughout the course of history. Its beginning date back
to Second World War when the Germans idealized a very effective way to easily use their sniper
rifles during the night. This was later researched very deeply into because night vision proved to
have a devastating advantage for those who used it.

1.1 History

Night vision technology originated in the 1930s with the development of infrared (IR) detectors.
The first generation of night vision devices (NVDs) emerged in the 1950s, using image conversion
techniques. Subsequent generations have improved significantly, incorporating advancements in
materials science, digital processing, and sensor technologies.

Night vision can work in two very different ways, depending on the technology used.

● Image enhancement: This works by collecting the tiny amounts of light, including the lower
portion of the infrared light spectrum, that are present but may be imperceptible to our eyes,
and amplifying it to the point that we can easily observe the image.

● Thermal imaging: This technology operates by capturing the upper portion of the infrared
light spectrum, which is emitted as heat by objects instead of simply reflected as light. Hotter
objects, such as warm bodies, emit more of this light than cooler objects like trees or buildings.

In this article, you will learn about the two major night-vision technologies. We’ll also discuss the
various types of night-vision equipment and applications. But first, let’s talk about infrared light.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 2

2. THE BASICS OF INFRARED NIGHT VISION

2.1 Infrared Spectrum

In order to understand night vision, it is important to understand something about light. The amount
of energy in a light wave is related to its wavelength: Shorter wavelengths have higher energy. Of
visible light, violet has the most energy, and red has the least. Just next to the visible light spectrum
is the infrared spectrum.

Fig 01. Electromagnetic spectrum

Infrared light can be split into three categories:

● Near-infrared (near-IR) Closest to visible light, near-IR has wavelengths that from 0.7 to 1.3
microns, or 700 billionths to 1,300 billionths of a meter.

● Mid-infrared (mid-IR)-Mid-IR has wavelengths ranging from 1.3 to 3 microns. Both near-IR
and mid-IR are used by a variety of electronic devices, including remote controls.

● Thermal-infrared (thermal-IR)-Occupying the largest part of the infrared spectrum, thermal-IR

has wavelengths ranging from 3 microns to over microns. The key difference between thermal-
IR and the other two is that thermal-IR is emitted by an object instead reflected off it. Infrared
light is emitted by an object because of what’s happening at the atomic level.

The key difference between thermal-IR and the other two is that thermal-IR is emitted by an object
instead of reflected off it. Infrared light is emitted by an object because of what is happening at the
atomic level.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

2.2 Atoms and photons

Atoms are constantly in motion. They continuously vibrate, move and rotate. Even the atoms that
make up the chairs that we sit in are moving around. Solids are actually in motion! Atoms can be in
different states of excitation. In other words, they can have different energies. If we apply a lot of
energy to an atom, it can leave what is called the ground State energy level and move to an excited
level. The level of excitation depends on the amount of energy applied to the atom via heat, light or
electricity.

Fig 02. Nucleus

Atoms are constantly in motion. They continuously vibrate, move and rotate. Even the atoms that
make up the chairs that we sit in are moving around. Solids are actually in motion! Atoms can be in
different states of excitation. In other words, they can have different energies. If we apply a lot of
energy to an atom, it can leave what is called the ground-state energy level and move to an excited
level. The level of excitation depends on the amount of energy applied to the atom via heat, light or
electricity. An atom consists of a nucleus (containing the protons and neutrons) and an electron
cloud.

Think of the electrons in this cloud as circling the nucleus in many different orbits. Although more
modern views of the atom do not depict discrete orbits for the electrons, it can be useful to think of
these orbits as the different energy levels of the atom. In other words, if we apply some heat to an
atom, we might expect that some of the electrons in the lower energy orbitals would transition to
higher energy orbitals, moving farther from the nucleus.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Once an electron moves to a higher-energy orbit, it eventually wants to return to the ground state.
When it does, it releases its energy as a photon a particle of light. You see atoms releasing energy as
photons all the time. For example, when the heating element in a toaster turns bright red, the red
color is caused by atoms excited by heat, releasing red photons. An excited electron has more
energy than a relaxed electron, and just as the electron absorbed some amount of energy to reach
this excited level, it can release this energy to return to the ground state. This emitted energy is in
the form of photons (light energy). The photon emitted has a very specific wavelength (color) that
depends on the state of the electron’s energy when the photon is released.

2.3 Thermal Imaging and Image Enhancement

Here’s how thermal imaging works:

● A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view.

● The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector elements. The detector
elements create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. It only takes about
one-thirtieth of a second for the detector array to obtain the temperature information to make
the thermogram. This information is obtained from several thousand points in the field of view
of the detector array.

● The thermogram created by the detector elements is translated into electric impulses.

● The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit, a circuit board with a dedicated chip that
translates the information from the elements into data for the display.

● The signal-processing unit sends the information to the display, where it appears as various
colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. The combination of all the impulses
from all of the elements creates the image.

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SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Fig 03. Basic components of thermal-image system

2.4 Types of Thermal Imaging Devices

Most thermal-imaging devices scan at a rate of 30 times per second. They can sense temperatures
ranging from 4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) to 3,600 F (2,000 C), and can normally
detect changes in temperature of about 0.4 F (0.2 C).

Fig 04. Picture in Day Light

It is quite easy to see everything during the day…

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 5 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Fig 05. Picture in Night

…but at night, you can see very little.

Fig 06. Picture Using Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging lets you see again.

There are two common types of thermal- imaging devices:

● Un-cooled-This is the most common type of thermal-imaging device. The infrared-detector

elements are contained in a unit that operates at room temperature. This type of system is
completely quiet, activates immediately and has the battery built right in.

● Cryogenically cooled-More expensive and more susceptible to damage from rugged use, these
systems have the elements sealed inside a container that cools them to below 32 F (zero C). The
advantage of such a system is the incredible resolution and sensitivity that result from cooling
the elements. Cryogenically-cooled systems can “see” a difference as small as 0.2 F (0.1 C)
from more than 1,000ft (300 m) away, which is enough to tell if a person is holding a gun at
that distance

While thermal imaging is great for detecting people or working in near-absolute darkness, most
night-vision equipment uses image-enhancement technology.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 6 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 3

3. IMAGE ENHANCEMENT

3.1 Image Enhancement

Image-enhancement technology is what most people think of when you talk about night vision. In
fact, image-enhancement systems are normally called night-vision devices (NVDs).NVDs rely on a
special tube, called an image-intensifier tube, to collect and amplify infrared and visible light.

Fig 07. Image Intensifier

Here’s how image enhancement works:

● A conventional lens, called the objective lens, captures ambient light and some near-infrared
light.

● The gathered light is sent to the image-intensifier tube. In most NVDs, the power supply for the
image-intensifier tube receives power from two N-Cell or two “AA” batteries. The tube outputs
a high voltage, about 5,000 volts, to the image-tube components.

● The image-intensifier tube has a photocathode, which is used to convert the photons of light
energy into electrons.

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SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

● As the electrons pass through the tube, similar electrons are released from atoms in the tube,
multiplying the original number of electrons by a factor of thousands through the use of a
microchannel plate (MCP) in the tube. An MCP is a tiny glass dise that has millions of
microscopic holes (microchannels) in it. Made using fiber-optic technology. The MCP is
contained in a vacuum and has metal electrodes on either side of the disc. Each channel is about
45 times. Longer than it is wide, and it works as an electron multiplier.

● When the electrons from the photo cathode hit the first electrode of the MCP, they are
accelerated into the glass microchannels by the 5,000-V bursts being sent between the electrode
pair. As electrons pass through the microchannels, they cause thousands of other electrons to be
released in each channel using a process called cascaded secondary emission. Basically, the
original electrons collide with the side of the channel, exciting atoms and causing other
electrons to be released. These new electrons also collide with other atoms, creating a chain
reaction that results in thousands of electrons leaving the channel where only a few entered. An
interesting fact is that the microchannels in the MCP are created at a slight angle (about a 5-
degree to 8-degree bias) to encourage electron collisions and reduce both ion and direct-light
feedback from the phosphors on the output side.

Fig 08. Intensified Picture

At the end of the image-intensifier tube, the electrons hit a screen coated with phosphors. These
electrons maintain their position in relation to the channel they passed through, which provides a
perfect image since the electrons stay in the same alignment as the original photons. The energy of
the electrons causes the phosphors to reach an excited state and release photons. These phosphors
create the green image on the screen that has come to characterize night vision.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 8 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

The green phosphor image is viewed through another lens, called the ocular lens, which allows you
to magnify and focus the image. The NVD may be connected to an electronic display, such as a
monitor, or the image may be viewed directly through the ocular lens.

Fig 09. Picture Quality of Intensified Objects

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 9 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 4

4. GENERATIONS

4.1 Generation 0

The earliest (1950’s) night vision products were based on image conversion rather than
intensification. They required a source of invisible infrared (IR) light mounted on or near the device
to illuminate the target area.

4.2 Generation 1

The “starlight scopes” of the 1960’s (Vietnam Era) have three image intensifies tubes connected in
a series. These systems are larger and heavier than Gen 2 and Gen 3. The Gen 1 image is clear at
the center but may be distorted around the edges. (Low-cost Gen 1 imports are often mislabeled as a
higher generation.

Fig 10. Generation 1

4.3 Generation 2

The micro channel plate (MCP) electron multiplier prompted Gen 2 development in the 1970s. The
“gain” provided by the MCP eliminated the need for back-to-back tubes thereby improving size and
image quality. The MCP enabled development of hand held and helmet mounted goggles Second-
generation image intensification significantly increased gain and resolution by employing a micro
channel plate.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 10 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

However, the next generation onwards, also known as, generation ‘2’, a monumental step up was
initiated in the quality of the image obtained. Even though it too employed a multi-alkali
photocathode, it also used a micro channel plate (MCP) in the image intensifier tube for the
amplification of the photoelectrons. As a result, it was able to operate ‘passively’ without the need
for an IR illuminator. Generation ‘2’ devices typically have a spectral range of up to 850nm and a
sensitivity of ~700 μA/lm depending upon the model selected. It is also capable of correcting the
image distortion caused by light when compared to its predecessors. As a result, it finds a wide
variety of applications in surveillance and navigation roles.

Fig 11. Generation 2

Current image intensifiers incorporate their predecessor’s resolution with additional light
amplification. The multi alkali photocathode is replaced with a gallium arsenide photocathode; this
extends the wavelength sensitivity of the detector into the near infrared. The moon and stars provide
light in these wavelengths, which boosts the effectively available light by approximately 30 [No
topic sentence. Indeed one might have moved this material to the front in a more dramatic way,
perhaps by calling attention to the movie ‘Silence of the Lambs.] Slight green tint similar to some
sunglasses. The apparent lighting of the landscape on a darknight is comparable to what the unaided
eye would see on a clear winter night with fresh now on the ground and a full moon.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 11 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Fig 12. Light spectrum

4.4 Generation 3

Two major advancements characterized development of Gen 3 in the late 1970s and early 1980s:
the gallium arsenide (GaAs) photocathode and the ion-barrier film on the MCP. The GaAs
photocathode enabled detection of objects at greater distances under much darker conditions. The
ion-barrier film increased the operational life of the tube from 2000 hours (Gen 2) to 10,000 (Gen
3), as demonstrated by actual testing and not extrapolation.

Fig 13. Improvement over Generation

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SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

4.5 Generation 4

It was developed in early 2000's and also known as "filmless and gated technology some of its
characteristics are as:-

● It shows significant improvement in both high-and low-level light environments.

● No ion barriers are present there in MCP so it is convenient to produce multiple numbers of
electrons.

● Responds quickly to different lightning conditions present in the surrounding view in the area.

● Background noise are reduced up to a greater extent because of the absence of the ion barrier.

● Enhances signal to noise ratio and as signal to noise ratio is directly proportional to the
resolution of the NVD's so resolution gets increased.

● Images are less distorted and brighter due to the better SNR and greater reduction in noise.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 13 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 5

5 . KEY GENERATION DEVELOPMENTS

● GENERATION 1 (Developed in 1960's);

☆ Vacuum Tube Technology

☆ Full Moon Operation

☆ Amplification: 1,000

☆ Operating Life: 2.000 Hours

● GENERATION 2 (Developed in 1970's);

☆ First Micro channel Plate (MCP) Application

☆ One-Quarter Moon Operation

☆ Amplification: 20,000

☆ Operating Life: 2,500 Hours

● GENERATION 2+ (1970s);

☆ Development increased image tube bias voltage to improve gain.

☆ Additionally, a glass faceplate was added to improve resolution.

● GENERATION 3 (Developed in 1990's);

☆ Improved MCP & Photocathode

☆ Starlight Operation

☆ Amplification: 40,000

☆ Operating Life: 10,000 Hour

● GENERATION 3 Enhanced (2000's);

☆ Improvements in the photocathode and MCP resulted in increased gain and resolution.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 14 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 6

6. CHARACTERISTICS OF NIGHT VISION

Using intensified night vision is different from using regular binoculars and/or your own eyes.
Below are some of the aspects of night vision that you should be aware of when you are using an
image intensified night vision system.

● Textures, Light and Dark:-

Objects that appear light during the day but have a dull surface may appear darker, through
the night vision unit, than objects that are dark during the day but have a highly reflective
surface. For example, a shiny dark coloured jacket may appear brighter than a light colored
jacket with a dull surface.

● Depth Perception:-

Night vision does not present normal depth perception.

● Fog and Rain:-

Night vision is very responsive to reflective ambient light; therefore, the light reflecting off
of fog or heavy rain causes much more light to go toward the night vision unit and may
degrade its performance.

● Honeycomb:-

This is a faint hexagonal pattern which is the result of the manufacturing process.

● Black Spots:-

A few black spots throughout the image area are also inherent characteristics of all night
vision technology. These spots will remain constant and should not increase in size or
number. See example below of an image with black spots.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 15 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 7

7. EQUIPMENTS

Night-vision equipment can be split into three broad categories:

● Scopes: Normally handheld or mounted on a weapon, scopes are monocular (one eye-piece).
Since scopes are handheld, not worn like goggles, they are good for when you want to get a
better look at a specific object and then return to normal viewing conditions.

Fig 14. Scopes

● Goggles: While goggles can be handheld, they are most often worn on the head. Goggles are
binocular (two eye-pieces) and may have a single lens or stereo lens, depending on the model.
Goggles are excellent for constant viewing, such as moving around in a dark building.

Fig 15. Goggles

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 16 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

Camera: Camera’s with night-vision technology can send the image to a monitor for display or to a
VCR for recording. When night-vision capability is desired in a permanent location, such as on a
building or as part of the equipment in a helicopter, cameras are used. Many of the newer
camcorders have night vision built right in

Fig 16. Cameras

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 17 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 8

8. APPLICATION

Military: In the military it is used to keep eyes on unwanted activities and unwanted things at the
border or at a specific area.

Law enforcement: It is used by the government officers to look after the details of a place at night
where we are unable to see at night.

Hunting: In forests it is very difficult to see the things at dark night so by using this device one can
identify the object in dark night also.

Wildlife observation: For taking care of the wildlife animals and to keep observation on illegal
activities in wildlife this is used.

Surveillance: In this night vision cameras are mounted around a factory or house to get aware from
the surroundings at dark night also.

Navigation: Used to show the way and also to show the obstacles in path. This is mainly observed
in automobiles and ships.

Hidden-object detection: By using thermal imaging process it is possible to detect the things
buried under earth surface.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 18 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 9

9. BIOLOGICAL NIGHT VISION

In biological night vision, molecules of rhodopsin in the rods of the eye undergo a change in shape
as light is absorbed by them.

The peak rhodopsin build-up time for optimal night vision in humans is 30 minutes, but most of the
adaptation occurs within the first five or ten minutes in the dark. Rhodopsin in the human rods is
insensitive to the longer red wavelengths of light, so many people use red light to preserve night
vision as it will not deplete the eye's rhodopsin stores in the rods and instead is viewed by the cones.

Some animals, such as cats, dogs, and deer, have a structure called tapetum lucidum in the back of
the eye that reflects light back towards the retina, increasing the amount of light it captures.

In humans, only 10% of the light that enters the eye falls on photosensitive parts of the retina.

Their ability to see in low light levels may be similar to what humans see when using first or
perhaps second generation image intensifiers.

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 19 Department of Mechanical Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER 10

10. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

10.1 ADVANTAGE

● An increase in nighttime situational awareness for pilots as this helps them to see the things
clearly at a distance and reduce the risk of accidents.

● This would markedly decrease the possibility of collisions with terrain or man-made
Obstructions.

● It does permit the user to see objects that normally would not be seen by the unaided eye.
Improved vision conditions of dusk and darkness helps to see in the severe condition which
naked eye can't see.

Highlighting of illuminated, heat-emitting objects as pedestrians, cyclists, deer, Etc.

10.2. DISADVANTAGES

● Lack of color discrimination:-As most of the cases the output image is green so there is no
color discrimination is there in the image obtained in the display.

● Neck strain and fatigue: Night vision goggles are mounted on the helmet which one have to
wear on head. So there is a chance of neck strain and fatigue.

● High initial cost to purchase: As high resolution cameras are used so initial cost for installing
this device is high.

● Need for recurrent training: Before using these devices one have to properly get training about
the use of these devices so that they can use those devices more efficiently.

● Decreased field of aided view this technique is used to cover a specific area only so extra field
of view cannot be added.

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SEMINAR REPORT NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY

11. CONCLUSION

Through a night vision device we can see the object in a dark environment. We have seen four
generation of this device and seen different ranges. Initially this device was used by the military but
now it is also available for civilians. The innovation and implementation of the night vision system
has a great impact on automotive usage such as saving many lives from death and reducing
accidents at night. In the NIGHT VISION SYSTEM of automobiles which gave us the knowledge
about the whole system. By the study of the system we got familiarized with the technology used in
the BMW NIGHT VISION SYSTEM. Also understood how to utilize the BMW NIGHT VISION
feature. Finally, we came to know the benefits of having this technology in the vehicle which can be
used to avoid accidents. On the basis of that we conclude that automatic pedestrian warning, in the
form of highlighting the pedestrians on the night vision display, is generally helpful in increasing
detection distance and accuracy. In this we have described various night vision technologies which
are available and also its working in order to avoid various low light problem, this shows that how
efficiently a soldiers can work efficiently during night also wildlife observer can work during dark
and also shown how surveillance can be kept in low light condition this summarize a various
generations of night vision technology.

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12. REFERENCES

1. www.night vision.com

2. www.Wikipedia.Org

3. https://youtu.be/CP6wofWfUws?si=lMyy9braRftXQcuG

4. https://youtu.be/DgCvWzdK0mI?si=ymbWTJbCvGrUrPd-

5. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/night-vision-technology/

6. https://www.scribd.com/document/86154333/night-vision-technology-report

MET’S Polytechnic, Mala 22 Department of Mechanical Engineering